FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Need a Chicago criminal defense lawyer?

When faced with criminal accusations, there are million thoughts that could be running through your mind. Not only is your reputation on the line, but your future freedoms could be at stake. You both need and deserve a criminal defense lawyer in Chicago that is well-equipped in this area of law. Having an advocate who can walk alongside you throughout the legal process is invaluable. Providing you with relevant answers to the questions and concerns you may have, look below to find the assistance you need as you move forward with your case. As always, we recommend you speak with our Chicago criminal attorney before you make any final decisions.

What is the Criminal Trial Process?
Charged with a crime? You’re probably wondering what lies ahead of you. Click here for more information on the process and what you should expect.

How Can I Find Out If I Have a Warrant?
Many people are unaware there are warrants out for their arrest. To find out how to check if you have a warrant out, click here for information on this topic.

What is the Right to a Speedy Trial?
Why do I have the right to a speedy trial? What does this mean? If you’ve found yourself asking this question, reading our FAQ page on the topic should shed some light on the situation. Click here for more info.

Is Circumstantial Evidence Enough to Convict Someone at Trial?
There are different types of evidence and circumstantial is one of them. To find out what type of evidence this is and how it resonates with juries, read our FAQ page by clicking here.

Do I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?
If you’ve been arrested and are facing criminal charges, you’re probably wondering if you need an attorney. The answer is yes; and the reasoning as to why you need one, can be found on our FAQ page here.

What are the Top DUI Defenses?
DUI charges are serious and carry wtih them stiff fines and penalties. There are tried and true methods to combat such charges. To find out what these defenses are, click here.

What are Common Defenses Used in Criminal Trials?
There are common defenses to criminal charges that have been relied on by defense attorneys for ages. To find out what these defenses are, click here.

What should I do if I have been charged with a crime?
Any accusation of criminal activity is a dangerous matter and requires the assistance of a skilled Chicago criminal defense attorney. Even a first DUI offense if you are convicted can affect your future employment and result in a suspended license and costly fines. When the crime is more serious, such as a felony offense, you are in serious legal trouble and must act quickly. It is true that you must stay silent after being arrested for any serious criminal offense. Many individuals have damaged their own cases by making comments or statements that are later used as evidence against them in court. Your first step after the arrest should be to contact our firm and get legal counsel to protect you.

Why do I need a criminal defense attorney?
Should you choose to represent yourself or use a public defender, you may be writing your own conviction and sentence.

What kind of penalties could I face?
This largely depends on the crimes you have been charged with and if you have a previous record of criminal convictions. Illinois is not entirely lenient, even when it comes to misdemeanors. Offenses such as possession of marijuana less than 30 grams or driving under the influence could still land you with up to $2,500 in fines and jail time up to one year. More severe felonies could result in a lifetime of prison and up to $1 million in fines for some crimes.

Do I have certain rights?
You absolutely have rights; rights that should be protected above all else. Upon arrest, you should be read your Miranda Rights, denoting that you have the right to remain silent until you retain an attorney to speak on your behalf. This is something we strongly suggest you take into consideration. Do not speak unless you have to, and even then be careful what you say as anything you say after arrest could be held against you in a court of law. No one should force a statement out of you, not the police, not medical professionals, no one. You should be treated with respect and decency throughout the entire process, from the point of your arrest until the final arraignment.

What if I have been wrongfully accused?
Even in cases in which the individual is completely innocent, if you have been arrested this indicates that the prosecutor considers there is enough evidence to get a conviction. Unfortunately, you will be forced to prove your innocence in court. The attorney you select to represent you has an important impact on the outcome of the case. Contact our firm at once to initiate the defense actions that must take place when the client is innocent of the charge.

How can Attorney Schmiege help me?
Our legal team takes pride in our impressive record in the defense of clients charged with even the most serious of criminal offenses. We will fully analyze the case, the evidence, all reports and statements and determine what strategy will be employed to fight for your freedom. We know how important the outcome of the case is and are prepared to aggressively defend our clients, no matter how hopeless the case may first appear. An aggressive and dedicated defense lawyer from our team can increase the possibility of a better outcome on any criminal charges. Act quickly, as a strong defense begins from the moment you are arrested.

Contact a Chicago criminal defense attorney from the Law Offices of Michael P. Schmiege for aggressive legal represenation in all types of criminal charges. Fill out our free case evaluation form today!

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.